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Senior R&D Software Developer Jobs in San Diego, CA

Software Developer III

Poway, CA · On-site

$98.10K - $171.40K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Engineer to design, develop, and enhance UAV autopilot software. As part of GA-ASI, you'll work on groundbreaking projects that directly support ...

Software Developer III

Poway, CA · On-site

$98.10K - $171.40K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Engineer to design, develop, and enhance UAV autopilot software. As part of GA-ASI, you'll work on groundbreaking projects that directly support ...

Associate Software Developer Job Qualifications: * Typically requires a Bachelor's degree, Master ... D. in Computer Science, Information Systems or a related discipline. May substitute equivalent ...

Software Developer I

Poway, CA · On-site

$71.95K - $109.89K/yr

D. in Computer Science, Information Systems or a related discipline. May substitute equivalent ... programming and analysis concepts. * Must have a good understanding of software quality analysis ...

Senior Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$129.60K - $170.80K/yr

TIAG is now hiring a Senior Software Engineer to join our team full time in San Diego, CA. In this ... R. part 471, Appendix A to Subpart A)

... software, and biology to lead the technical realization of our next-generation biotech platforms ... Utilize 3D printing (Resin/FDM), CNC machining, and sheet metal fabrication to accelerate R&D ...

Software Developer I

Poway, CA · On-site

$71.95K - $109.89K/yr

D. in Computer Science, Information Systems or a related discipline. May substitute equivalent ... programming and analysis concepts. * Must have a good understanding of software quality analysis ...

... software, and biology to lead the technical realization of our next-generation biotech platforms ... Utilize 3D printing (Resin/FDM), CNC machining, and sheet metal fabrication to accelerate R&D ...

#Senior Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$130.10K - $171.50K/yr

As a Senior Software Engineer, you will contribute to the design, development, and optimization and commercialization of software solutions for Qualcomm's next-generation data center platforms. You ...

Senior Software Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$130.10K - $171.50K/yr

Senior Software Engineer Step into a high-impact Senior Software Engineer opportunity with a confidential client, where you will help drive meaningful results across Aerospace / Defense,Software.

... software, and biology to lead the technical realization of our next-generation biotech platforms ... Utilize 3D printing (Resin/FDM), CNC machining, and sheet metal fabrication to accelerate R&D.

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Senior R D Software Developer information

See San Diego, CA salary details

$16

$65

$93

How much do senior r&d software developer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for senior r&d software developer in San Diego, CA is $65.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55.62 and $73.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior R&D Software Developer vs Software Engineer?

AspectSenior R&D Software DeveloperSoftware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science or related field; experience in R&DBachelor's or higher in Computer Science or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch and development labs, innovation teamsDevelopment teams, product-focused environments
Industry UsageTech, manufacturing, research institutionsTech companies, startups, software firms
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared for R&D roles and advanced developmentMore general software development roles

The main difference is that a Senior R&D Software Developer focuses on innovative research, prototyping, and developing new technologies within R&D environments, often requiring specialized knowledge and experience. In contrast, a Software Engineer typically works on building, testing, and maintaining software products in production environments. Both roles require strong programming skills, but the Senior R&D role emphasizes research and experimentation.

What are popular job titles related to Senior R&D Software Developer jobs in San Diego, CA? For Senior R&D Software Developer jobs in San Diego, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior R&D Software Developer jobs in San Diego, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Senior R&D Software Developer jobs in San Diego, CA are:
What cities near San Diego, CA are hiring for Senior R&D Software Developer jobs? Cities near San Diego, CA with the most Senior R&D Software Developer job openings:
Software Developer III

Software Developer III

General Atomics

Poway, CA • On-site

$98.10K - $171.40K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


General Atomics rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 59 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Job Summary
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Engineer to design, develop, and enhance UAV autopilot software. As part of GA-ASI, you'll work on groundbreaking projects that directly support our mission to deliver reliable, high-performance solutions to our customers. This position independently determines approaches/solutions for the design, development and/or modifications of embedded software. This position collaborates with domain experts, users, and management throughout the entire software development lifecycle.
Summary:
Under general supervision with limited review, this position independently determines approaches/solutions for the design, development and/or modification of specific programs or projects for enterprise-wide end-user, system level, and data management software applications. Involved in planning of application development and deployment as well as responsible for meeting software compliance standards on specific programs or projects. Evaluates integration of software applications with the overall computing environment; responsible for documentation, testing, maintenance, and software updates. Communicates with domain experts, outside customers, users, and management throughout the software development lifecycle.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITES:
  • Determine user requirements and specifications and plan for software development within the broader organizational scope. Software development includes end-user, system level, and data management applications.
  • Formulate detailed plans for the implementation of software solutions on specific programs or projects. In addition to program design this includes determining language, platform, and resource requirements.
  • Implementation of design including coding, testing, and documentation.
  • Deployment of applications across the enterprise including cross-platform compliance and ensuring availability of necessary resources.
  • Code maintenance including debugging and updating to keep pace with the evolving environment.
  • Assist in planning for future applications based on new developments in computer technology.
  • Communicate with the software developer group, with users, and with management as well as with the wider community through the publishing and presentation of technical papers.
  • Maintains the strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
  • Responsible for observing all laws, regulations and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
  • Expected to work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures and practices.
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Qualifications
  • Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in computer science, information systems or a related discipline and progressive software development experience as follows; four or more years of experience with a bachelors degree or two or more years of experience with a masters degree. May substitute equivalent experience in lieu of education.
  • Degree in computer engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering or electrical engineering is highly preferred.
  • Must have a complete understanding of software development concepts, principles, and theory and demonstrate complete understanding and application of programming and analysis concepts.
  • Must possess the ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment.
  • Must have some experience with C and Python programming languages.
  • Experience with closed-loop control systems, Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC), and implementation in the C/C++ language.
  • Experience with Model-Based Design tools such as MATLAB/Simulink or SCADE is highly desired.
  • Experience with DO-178 processes and high-level rigor development.
  • Familiarity with aviation systems and fixed-wing aircraft.
  • Familiarity with VectorCAST
  • Ability to organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level to provide solutions to complex problems.
  • Ability to organize, schedule, and coordinate work phases and determine the appropriate approach at the task level or, with assistance, at the project level and to provide solutions to a range of complex problems.
  • Must have strong communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills, ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Able to work extended hours as required.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance is required.
  • Current active DoD security clearance is highly desired.

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About General Atomics

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1955